When considering last names, many think of family lineage and the stories of ancestors who carry that name through generations. Last names are also deeply tied to cultural and political narratives, offering insight into the significant events that have shaped a nation. Filipino surnames exemplify this concept beautifully. Historically, many Filipinos used descriptive last names that indicated lineage, such as denoting a parent’s relation to their child or referencing physical characteristics like height. However, the arrival of Catholic missionaries in 1565 transformed naming practices dramatically.
During this period, many Filipino families adopted surnames that honored Catholic saints or were assigned Spanish names by colonial authorities. The Filipino identity is a rich tapestry woven from Spanish, Chinese, American, and Latin influences. At its heart, the tradition of last names signifies a deep respect for family and faith, reflecting the communal spirit known as Bayanihan. Fun fact: Filipinos celebrate one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world!
As a result of the overlap in surnames, it became challenging to track the population accurately. Consequently, a system was established in 1849 by Spanish officials to standardize last names. While this system saw some adoption, many families chose to retain their traditional Filipino surnames, honoring their heritage. Below, we explore some of the most popular Filipino last names, along with their meanings and origins.
- Abe
Meaning: Father of many
Origin: Hebrew - Abdulatip
Meaning: Servant of the gentle
Origin: Filipino, Maguindanao, Dagestani, Avar, Kumyk, Indonesian - Abalos
Meaning: Desert tunes
Origin: Filipino - Abayan
Meaning: To stand beside
Origin: Tagalog - Aquino
Meaning: A prosperous family in Italy; belongs to a historic noble house
Origin: Spain, Portugal, Italy - Baccay
Meaning: To guard
Origin: Tagalog - Bacolod
Meaning: Someone living near a hill or mound
Origin: Bacolod, Negros Island, Philippines - Bacunawa
Meaning: Serpent or dragon in Visayan mythology
Origin: Cebuano - Baguinda
Meaning: Minangkabau title for prince
Origin: Sulu Archipelago - Balaguer
Meaning: Someone from the city of Balaguer in Catalonia, Spain
Origin: Arabic - Balindong
Meaning: Philosopher
Origin: Maranao - Baluyot
Meaning: Bag, sack, or pouch
Origin: Tagalog - Basilio
Meaning: Kingly or royal
Origin: Filipino - Baquiran
Meaning: Forest
Origin: Ilocano, Filipino - Batungbakal
Meaning: Stone, iron, or steel
Origin: Tagalog, Filipino - Bautista
Meaning: Baptist
Origin: Arabic - Calinao
Meaning: Clarity
Origin: Cebuano - Cruz
Meaning: Cross
Origin: Spanish - Del Rosario
Meaning: Rose garden or garland of roses
Origin: Portuguese, Spanish, Italian - Dimagiba
Meaning: Indestructible
Origin: Tagalog - Facundo
Meaning: Talkative or eloquent
Origin: Spanish, Portuguese - Garcia
Meaning: Son of Garcia; rule of the spear
Origin: Iberian, Portugal, France - Gatus
Meaning: Hundred
Origin: Cebuano - Gonzales
Meaning: Castle or son of Gonzalo
Origin: Spain - Habalo
Meaning: Hurrying to overtake; pursuit
Origin: Filipino - Halili
Meaning: Successor
Origin: Tagalog - Halimaw
Meaning: Monster or huge creature
Origin: Filipino - Halina
Meaning: Come along
Origin: Filipino - Halum
Meaning: Gentle, forbearing, mild
Origin: Arabic - Hangad
Meaning: Yearning or desire
Origin: Tagalog - Harap
Meaning: Foreground; to face or meet
Origin: Tagalog - Harata
Meaning: Turn morning or dawn
Origin: Filipino - Henson
Meaning: Son of Henry
Origin: Filipino - Hermano
Meaning: Brother
Origin: Spanish - Laxamana
Meaning: Admiral or officer
Origin: Sanskrit - Magasaysay
Meaning: To tell, to narrate
Origin: Cebuano - Mendoza
Meaning: Cold mountain
Origin: Philippines - Oracion
Meaning: Prayer
Origin: Spanish - Perez
Meaning: To breach or burst forth
Origin: Spanish, Hebrew - Posadas
Meaning: Standstill or resting place
Origin: Latin - Radiomoda
Meaning: Young king
Origin: Maaranao - Reyes
Meaning: Kings or royals
Origin: Spanish - Salvador
Meaning: Savior
Origin: Spanish - Santos
Meaning: Saint
Origin: Spanish - Tibayan
Meaning: To strengthen
Origin: Tagalog
For those interested in exploring surnames from other cultures, check out our article on last names from around the world. You might recognize some from Irish, French, Russian, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, Welsh, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and African cultures.
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Summary: This article delves into 45 popular Filipino last names, revealing their meanings and origins, which reflect a rich cultural history shaped by various influences. The narrative discusses the evolution of naming practices in the Philippines, especially during the Spanish colonial period, showcasing how family heritage intertwines with cultural identity.
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